Barbara Mikulski looks to build on GOP continuing resolution

Alexander said his own preference would be to pursue a full-scale omnibus since much of the negotiations already are complete with the House. “We probably won’t get that far as a practical matter, but the further we go down that path, the better we will be doing our job and the easier the sequester will be. It will give the departments priorities and allow them flexibility.”

“I really wanted an omnibus, but that doesn’t look possible,” Mikulski said. “We’re now looking at how we can fashion a hybrid so we can meet national security needs but also compelling human priorities and the kinds of investments we need to make in science and technology for the jobs of the future.

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“I’m anxious to see what the House is going to pass with the CR. We have a pretty good idea now, but we’ll wait and see what the final product is,” Reid told reporters. “We’re going to move on our own legislation to fund the government next week. Sen. Mikulski is leading that. She’s worked really hard on this. I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll reach a solution before we leave here for the Easter recess after we do the budget.

“What remains to be seen is whether this move — and apparently away from a crisis — is truly a shift in strategy for Republicans or just a short break from extremism that they’ve had over the last few years.”

Republican senators adopted much the same tone in describing Obama’s telephone overtures.

“The proof is in the pudding,” said Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) of his call from Obama. “I’m going to take him at face value. It’s called trust but verify.”

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said Obama’s call Monday was “long overdue and very welcome.” She characterized it as an “olive branch.”

The often mercurial Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said: “I think the president’s really reaching out to try to form consensus to not only fix sequestration but get off the road to becoming Greece. He’s doing very well.”